U.S. patent application number 10/509091 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for go-cart, kit for go-carts and apparatuses for controlling the run of a vehicle, for example a go-kart.
Invention is credited to Meglioli, Zeno.
Application Number | 20050103554 10/509091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11450987 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050103554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meglioli, Zeno |
May 19, 2005 |
Go-cart, kit for go-carts and apparatuses for controlling the run
of a vehicle, for example a go-kart
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling the run of a vehicle comprises a
steering arrangement, suitable for directing said vehicle along a
given trajectory, and a speed control device suitable for modifying
the running speed of said vehicle, said speed control device
comprising a first shaft slidably coupled with a second shaft and
actuatable by said steering arrangement. A go-cart comprises a
steering arrangement, suitable for directing said go-cart along a
given trajectory, and a speed control device, suitable for
modifying the running speed of said go-cart, said speed control
device being so configured as to interact with said steering
arrangement. An apparatus for controlling the run of a vehicle
comprises a steering arrangement, suitable for directing said
vehicle along a given trajectory, and a speed control device,
suitable for modifying the running speed of said vehicle, said
speed control device comprising articulated quadrilateral
arrangement actuatable by said steering arrangement.
Inventors: |
Meglioli, Zeno;
(Castellarano, IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
1100 N GLEBE ROAD
8TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22201-4714
US
|
Family ID: |
11450987 |
Appl. No.: |
10/509091 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 28, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB03/01138 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62D 1/16 20130101; B60K
15/063 20130101; B60Y 2200/114 20130101; B60K 2015/0637 20130101;
B60W 2300/285 20130101; B62D 21/183 20130101; B60T 7/08
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/333 |
International
Class: |
B60K 026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 28, 2002 |
IT |
MO2002 A 000073 |
Claims
1-126. (canceled)
127. Apparatus for controlling the run of a vehicle, comprising a
steering arrangement, suitable for allowing said vehicle to be
directed along a given trajectory, and a speed control arrangement,
suitable for modifying the running speed of said vehicle, wherein
said speed control device comprises a first shaft slidably coupled
with a second shaft and actuatable by means of said steering
arrangement.
128. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said first shaft is
telescopically coupled with said second shaft.
129. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein any relative
rotation between said first shaft and said second shaft is
substantially prevented.
130. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said first shaft is
fixed to a steering wheel of said steering arrangement.
131. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said first shaft
comprises a tubular end portion suitable for shapingly coupling
with said second shaft.
132. Apparatus according to claim 131, wherein said first shaft is
associated with said tubular end portion by means of a grooved
surface.
133. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said first shaft is
rotatably arranged inside a ring.
134. Apparatus according to claim 133, wherein said ring is so
configured as to be capable of being translated together with said
first shaft, when a driver of said vehicle moves said steering
arrangement in a first direction.
135. Apparatus according to claim 134, wherein said ring is
connected to actuating rod cooperating with a pump suitable for
circulating a fluid inside a braking circuit.
136. Apparatus according to claim 135, wherein said actuating rod
is slidably coupled with a stem.
137. Apparatus according to claim 136, wherein said stem comprises
an abutting element arranged for enabling said actuating rod to
move said stem only when said actuating rod moves in said first
direction.
138. Apparatus according to claim 136, wherein a lever interacting
with a piston of said pump is hinged on said stem.
139. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said first shaft is
housed inside a hollow support intended for being arranged in a
fixed position on said vehicle.
140. Apparatus according to claim 139, and further comprising an
acceleration device actuatable by said first shaft when said first
shaft interacts with said hollow support.
141. Apparatus according to claim 140, wherein said acceleration
device comprises a position sensor arranged for detecting an axial
position of said steering arrangement.
142. Apparatus according to claim 141, and further comprising a
processing card arranged for actuating a valve suitable for
intervening on a fuel entering an engine device of said go-cart,
said processing card acting on said valve according to said axial
position.
143. Apparatus according to claim 141, wherein said position sensor
is selected from a group comprising: an encoder, a
potentiometer.
144. Apparatus according to claim 140, wherein said position sensor
is associated with a gear wheel actuatable by a rack connected with
said first shaft.
145. Apparatus according to claim 144, and further comprising a
microswitch element interacting with said rack in a preset
reference position of said rack.
146. Apparatus according to claim 139, and further comprising a
guide device arranged for keeping said first shaft guided in its
movement in relation to said second shaft.
147. Apparatus according to claim 146, wherein said guide device
comprises a guide wheel fixed to said hollow support and
interacting with a guide bar associated with said first shaft.
148. Apparatus according to claim 127, wherein said second shaft
can be coupled with a steering column through a joint.
149. Go-cart, comprising a steering arrangement, suitable for
directing said go-cart along a given trajectory, and a speed
control device, suitable for modifying the running speed of said
go-cart, wherein said speed control device is so configured as to
interact with said steering arrangement.
150. Go-cart according to claim 149, wherein said steering
arrangement comprises a steering wheel and a steering column
between which a joint member is placed that is suitable for
enabling said steering wheel to be positioned according to a tilt
that is substantially independent of said steering column.
151. Go-cart according to claim 149, wherein said speed control
device comprises a braking device that can be actuated when said
steering arrangement is moved in a first direction and an
acceleration device that can be actuated when said steering
arrangement is moved in a second direction opposite said first
direction.
152. Go-cart according to claim 150, wherein said speed control
device comprises a braking device that can be actuated when said
steering arrangement is moved in a first direction and an
acceleration device that can be actuated when said steering
arrangement is moved in a second direction opposite said first
direction.
153. Go-cart according to claim 152, wherein, when said steering
wheel is displaced towards a driver it activates said acceleration
device, and vice versa.
154. Go-cart according to claim 152, wherein said acceleration
device comprises a cable actuatable through said steering
arrangement and cooperating with a valve suitable for intervening
on a fuel entering an engine device of said go-cart.
155. Go-cart according to claim 152, wherein said acceleration
device comprises position sensor arranged for detecting an axial
position of said steering arrangement.
156. Go-cart according to claim 155, and further comprising a
processing card arranged for actuating a valve suitable for
intervening on a fuel entering an engine device of said go-cart,
said processing card acting on said valve according to said axial
position.
157. Go-cart according to claim 155, wherein said position sensor
is selected from a group comprising: an encoder, a
potentiometer.
158. Go-cart according to claim 155, wherein said position sensor
is associated with a gear arrangement that can be actuated by said
steering arrangement.
159. Go-cart according to claim 152, wherein, when said steering
wheel is moved away from a driver, said steering wheel activates
said braking device, and vice versa.
160. Go-cart according to claim 152, wherein said braking device
comprises an actuating rod cooperating with a pump suitable for
circulates a fluid in a braking circuit.
161. Go-cart according to claim 160, wherein said actuating rod is
slidably coupled with a stem.
162. Go-cart according to claim 161, wherein said stem comprises an
abutting element arranged for enabling said actuating rod to move
said stem only when said actuating rod moves in a preset
direction.
163. Go-cart according to claim 161, wherein on said stem a lever
is hinged, said lever interacting with a piston of said pump.
164. Go-cart according to claim 160, and further comprising a
support structure for supporting said pump, said support structure
being provided with a support plane suitable for receiving said
pump resting on said support plane, in order to maintain said pump
in a position that is substantially parallel to a surface on which
said go-cart moves.
165. Go-cart according to claim 164, wherein said support structure
comprises an anchor wall, to which said pump can be fixed.
166. Go-cart according to claim 164, wherein said support structure
comprises a fixing element suitable for allowing said support
structure to be fixed to a structural element of said go-cart.
167. Go-cart according to claim 166, wherein said fixing element
comprises an arm provided with a clamp that can be fixed to said
structural element.
168. Go-cart according to claim 163, wherein said support structure
comprises at least one stiffening member suitable for increasing
the bending and/or torsional stiffness of said support
structure.
169. Go-cart according to claim 152, wherein said braking device
and said acceleration device are connected with a movable member
connected with said steering wheel.
170. Go-cart according to claim 169, wherein said movable member
comprises a sleeve axially movable along a steering shaft.
171. Go-cart according to claim 169, wherein said speed control
device further comprises a guide system arranged for guiding said
movable member together with a shaft fixed to said steering wheel,
at the same time preventing rotation between said movable member
and said shaft.
172. Go-cart according to claim 171, wherein said guide system
comprises a grooved surface placed between said movable member and
said shaft.
173. Go-cart according to claim 171, wherein said guide system
comprises an articulated quadrilateral arrangement that can be
actuated by said steering arrangement.
174. Go-cart according to claim 173, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises an articulated parallelogram
arrangement.
175. Go-cart according to claim 173, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises a first rocker arm and a second
rocker arm arranged for connecting said movable member to a fixed
member of said go-cart.
176. Go-cart according to claim 173, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises a first articulated
quadrilateral arrangement and a second articulated quadrilateral
arrangement arranged on opposite sides of said movable member.
177. Go-cart according to claim 173, wherein said shaft is
connected by said joint member to a first end zone of said steering
column.
178. Go-cart according to claim 177, wherein said steering column
comprises a second end zone connected to a chassis of said go-cart
by means of an articulated joint, said articulated joint being
arranged for enabling said second end zone to move in relation to
said chassis when said articulated quadrilateral arrangement
actuates said shaft.
179. Go-cart according to claim 177, and further comprising further
articulated joint placed between said steering column and a
respective control device for controlling the steering of each
wheel of said go-cart.
180. Go-cart according to claim 152, and further comprising manual
actuating device arranged for actuating said acceleration device
without translating said steering wheel.
181. Go-cart according to claim 180, wherein said manual actuating
comprises a further lever mounted on said steering wheel.
182. Go-cart according to claim 150, and further comprising a quick
connector arranged for enabling said steering wheel to be detached
from, and attached to, a column member of said go-cart.
183. Go-cart according to claim 182, wherein said quick connector
is provided with a protruding element suitable for shapingly
coupling with a seat made in said column member.
184. Go-cart according to claim 182, wherein said steering wheel is
provided with a tubular end suitable for receiving said column
member, said tubular end being provided with a hole wherein said
quick connector is inserted to lock said steering wheel on said
column member.
185. Go-cart according to claim 149, and further comprising a
hydraulic drive arrangement arranged for hydraulically modifying
the position of wheels of said go-cart.
186. Go-cart according to claim 149, and further comprising a
safety sensor arranged for detecting any obstacles near said
go-cart and for preventing said go-cart from accelerating.
187. Go-cart provided with a steering arrangement comprising a
steering column and a steering wheel by means of which a driver can
set a trajectory for said go-cart, wherein between said steering
wheel and said steering column a joint member is placed, said joint
member being suitable for enabling said steering wheel to be
positioned according to a tilt that is substantially independent of
said steering column.
188. Go-cart according to claim 187, and further comprising a speed
control device, suitable for modifying the running speed of said
go-cart and so configured as to interact with said steering
arrangement.
189. Go-cart according to claim 187, and further comprising a
hydraulic drive arrangement arranged for hydraulically modifying
the position of wheels of said go-cart.
190. Go-cart according to claim 187, and further comprising a
safety sensor arranged for detecting any obstacles near said
go-cart and for preventing said go-cart from accelerating.
191. Go-cart comprising a steering arrangement through which a
driver can set a trajectory of said go-cart, said steering
arrangement comprising a control device arranged for modifying the
position of wheels of said go-cart according to a command from said
driver, wherein said control device comprises a hydraulic drive
arrangement arranged for hydraulically modifying said position.
192. Go-cart according to claim 191, wherein said hydraulic drive
arrangement comprises a hydraulic drive box fed by a pressurised
fluid through a pump.
193. Go-cart according to claim 192, wherein said pump is moved by
means of a driving shaft of said go-cart.
194. Go-cart according to claim 192, wherein said hydraulic drive
box is connected with a steering column of said go-cart by means of
a joint.
195. Go-cart according to claim 192, and further comprising
articulated-joint elements placed between said hydraulic drive box
and a respective tie-rod arranged for steering wheels of said
go-cart.
196. Go-cart according to claim 191, and further comprising a
safety sensor arranged for detecting any obstacles near said
go-cart and for preventing said go-cart from accelerating.
197. Apparatus for controlling the run of a vehicle, comprising a
steering arrangement suitable for directing said vehicle along a
given trajectory, and a speed control device suitable for modifying
the running speed of said vehicle, wherein said speed control
device comprises articulated quadrilateral arrangement actuatable
by said steering arrangement.
198. Apparatus according to claim 197, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises articulated parallelogram
arrangement.
199. Apparatus according to claim 197, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises a movable member connected to a
fixed member through a first rocker arm and a second rocker arm,
said movable member being associated with a shaft connected to a
steering wheel of said steering arrangement.
200. Apparatus according to claim 199, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises a first articulated
quadrilateral arrangement and a second articulated quadrilateral
arrangement, arranged on opposite sides of said movable member.
201. Apparatus according to claim 199, wherein said shaft is
coupled with said movable member in such a way as to enable the
relative rotation and substantially prevent the relative
translation.
202. Apparatus according to claim 199, and further comprising a
steering column having a first end zone connected to say shaft
through a joint member, and a second end zone connected to a
chassis of said vehicle.
203. Apparatus according to claim 202, wherein between said second
end zone and said chassis an articulated joint is provided, said
articulated joint being arranged for enabling said second end zone
to move in relation to said chassis when said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement actuates said shaft.
204. Apparatus according to claim 202, and further comprising a
further articulated joint placed between said steering column and a
respective control device for controlling the steering of each
wheel of said vehicle.
205. Apparatus according to claim 199, wherein to said movable
member a braking device and an acceleration arrangement are
connected, said braking device being actuatable when said steering
arrangement is moved in a first direction and said acceleration
device being actuatable when said steering arrangement is moved in
a second direction opposite said first direction.
206. Apparatus according to claim 205, wherein said acceleration
device comprises a cable actuatable by said movable member and
cooperating with a valve suitable for intervening on a fuel
entering an engine device of said vehicle.
207. Apparatus according to claim 205, wherein said acceleration
device comprises a position sensor arranged for detecting the axial
position of said shaft.
208. Apparatus according to claim 207, wherein said position sensor
is selected from a group comprising: an encoder, a
potentiometer.
209. Apparatus according to claim 207, wherein said position sensor
is associated with a gear that can be actuated by said steering
arrangement.
210. Apparatus according to claim 205, wherein said braking device
comprises an actuating rod cooperating with a pump suitable for
circulating a fluid inside a braking circuit.
211. Apparatus according to claim 210, wherein said actuating rod
is slidably coupled with a stem.
212. Apparatus according to claim 211, wherein said stem comprises
an abutting element arranged for enabling said actuating rod to
move said stem only when said rod moves in a preset direction.
213. Apparatus according to claim 211, wherein a lever interacting
with a piston of said pump is hinged on said stem.
214. Apparatus according to claim 210, and further comprising a
support structure for supporting said pump, said support structure
being provided with a support plane suitable for receiving said
pump resting on said support plane to maintain said pump in a
substantially horizontal position.
215. Apparatus according to claim 214, wherein said support
structure comprises an arm provided with a clamp arranged for being
fixed to a structural member of said vehicle.
216. Kit for a vehicle, comprising a braking control device
suitable for actuating a braking device of said vehicle, and an
acceleration control suitable for actuating an acceleration device
of said vehicle, said braking control device and said acceleration
control device being so configurable as to interact with a steering
arrangement of said vehicle.
217. Kit according to claim 216, and further comprising a joint
member, suitable for being placed between a steering column and a
steering wheel of said a steering arrangement, in such a way as to
enable said steering wheel to be positioned according to a tilt
that is substantially independent of said steering column.
218. Kit according to claim 216, wherein said acceleration control
device comprises a cable suitable for cooperating with a valve, in
such a way as to intervene on fuel entering into an engine device
of said vehicle.
219. Kit according to claim 216, wherein said acceleration control
device comprises a position sensor arranged for detecting an axial
position of said steering arrangement.
220. Kit according to claim 216, and further comprising a
processing card arranged for actuating a valve suitable for
intervening on a fuel entering an engine device of said vehicle,
according to said axial position.
221. Kit according to claim 219, wherein said position sensor is
selected from a group comprising: an encoder, a potentiometer.
222. Kit according to claim 219, and further comprising a gear
arrangement associated with said position sensor and actuatable by
said steering arrangement.
223. Kit according to claim 222, wherein said gear arrangement
comprises a gear wheel associated with said position sensor and a
rack fixed to said steering arrangement and arranged for actuating
said gear wheel.
224. Kit according to claim 216, wherein said braking control
device comprises an actuating rod cooperating with a pump suitable
for supplying a fluid in a brake circuit of said vehicle.
225. Kit according to claim 224, wherein said braking control
device comprises a stem suitable for being slidably coupled with
said actuating rod.
226. Kit according to claim 225, wherein said stem comprises an
abutting element arranged for enabling said actuating rod to move
said stem only when said actuating rod moves in a first
direction.
227. Kit according to claim 225, wherein said braking control
device comprises a lever suitable for being hinged on said stem in
such a way as to interact with a piston of said pump.
228. Kit according to claim 224, and further comprising a support
structure suitable for supporting said pump.
229. Kit according to claim 228, wherein said support structure
comprises a support plane for supporting said pump, said support
plane being suitable for receiving said pump resting on said
support plane to maintain said pump in a position that is
substantially parallel to a surface on which said vehicle
moves.
230. Kit according to claim 228, wherein said support structure
comprises an anchor wall, to who said pump could be fixed.
231. Kit according to claim 228, wherein said support structure
comprises a fixing element suitable for enabling said support
structure to be fixed to a chassis of said vehicle.
232. Kit according to claim 231, wherein said fixing element
comprises an arm provided with a clamp that can be fixed to say
chassis.
233. Kit according to claim 228, wherein said support structure
comprises at least one stiffening element suitable for increasing
the bending and/or torsional stiffness of said support
structure.
234. Kit according to claim 216, and further comprising an
articulated quadrilateral arrangement arranged for actuating said
braking control device and said acceleration control device by
acting on said steering arrangement.
235. Kit according to claim 234, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises an articulated parallelogram
arrangement.
236. Kit according to claim 234, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises a first rocker arm and a second
rocker arm arranged for connecting to a fixed member of said
vehicle a movable member that can be associated to said steering
arrangement.
237. Kit according to claim 236, wherein said articulated
quadrilateral arrangement comprises a first articulated
quadrilateral arrangement and a second articulated quadrilateral
arrangement arranged on opposite sides of said movable member.
238. Kit according to claim 217, and further comprising a shaft
suitable for being placed between said joint member and said
steering wheel.
239. Kit according to claim 238, and further comprising a sleeve
axially movable along said shaft.
240. Kit according to claim 239, wherein said braking control
device and said acceleration control device are connected with said
sleeve.
241. Kit according to claim 239, and further comprising a
sustaining element suitable for supporting said sleeve.
242. Kit according to claim 216, and further comprising a first
shaft suitable for being slidably coupled with a second shaft of
said vehicle to actuate said braking control device and said
acceleration control device.
243. Kit according to claim 242, wherein said first shaft is so
configured as to be telescopically coupled with said second shaft
so that any relative rotation between said first shaft and said
second shaft is substantially prevented.
244. Kit according to claim 243, wherein said first shaft is
provided with a tubular end portion suitable for shapingly coupling
with said second shaft.
245. Kit according to claim 242, and further comprising a ring
within which said first shaft is rotatably arranged.
246. Kit according to claim 245, wherein said ring is so configured
as to be capable of translating together with said first shaft,
when a driver of said vehicle moves said steering arrangement in a
first direction.
247. Apparatus for controlling the run of a vehicle, comprising a
steering arrangement provided with a first steering column slidable
in relation to a second steering column to modify the speed of said
vehicle, and further comprising a position sensor suitable for
detecting the axial position of said first steering column in
relation to said second steering column.
248. Apparatus according to claim 247, wherein said position sensor
comprises an encoder.
Description
[0001] The invention concerns a vehicle such as a go-cart, i.e. a
generally one-seater vehicle comprising an engine fitted to a
chassis that is used for amusement or competitive purposes, and a
kit for go-cart and apparatuses for controlling the run of a
vehicle, for example a go-cart.
[0002] Go-carts are known that are provided with a steering wheel
that is rigidly connected to a steering column, through which the
driver can give the go-cart a preset trajectory and further
comprising pedal controls for actuating the brake and the
accelerator, by means of which the driver can regulate running
conditions. To drive such go-carts the driver must simultaneously
use his or her hands, which act on the steering wheel, and his or
her feet, which act on the pedal controls.
[0003] One defect of known go-carts is that disabled persons, who
are unable to use their lower limbs with agility, cannot drive
existing go-carts and avail themselves of the amusement afforded by
said go-carts.
[0004] Furthermore, the steering column of known go-carts is
arranged obliquely to the surface of the ground on which the
go-cart is driven and the steering wheel extends along a plane that
is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the steering column.
As a result, the steering wheel is arranged along a plane that is
oblique in relation to the driver, who is thus forced to drive the
go-cart while keeping his or her wrists bent in relation to his or
her arms. This position is rather uncomfortable and furthermore it
does not enable the effort exerted on the steering wheel to be
precisely administered, thereby impairing, especially in the case
of prolonged driving, the accuracy of the trajectory and, the
stability of the vehicle.
[0005] A further defect of the known go-carts is that they are
sometimes tiring to drive because excessive effort is needed to
turn the steering wheel in order to set the desired trajectory.
This is particularly serious for persons with limited strength in
their arms such as certain types of handicapped person.
[0006] EP 0919422 discloses a vehicle provided with a steering
wheel that can be moved towards and away from the driver's body to
actuate an accelerating device or a braking device. The steering
wheel is fixed to one end of a column that can rotate in relation
to a fixed support to enable the driver to steer the vehicle and
can translate in relation to said support to interact with the
acceleration or braking device.
[0007] One defect of the apparatus for controlling the run of the
vehicle disclosed in EP 0919422 is that it cannot be fitted to
already existing motor vehicles to make them suitable for being
driven by persons unable to control their lower limbs. In other
words, the apparatus disclosed in EP 0919422 does not enable an
ordinary vehicle provided with pedals to actuate the brake and
accelerator to be converted into a motor vehicle the direction and
speed of which can be controlled completely manually.
[0008] Furthermore, as the column that supports the steering wheel
can both rotate and translate in relation to a single support a
distracted or inexpert driver who wishes to brake or accelerate may
accidentally turn the steering wheel. In this case the vehicle is
steered in an undesired manner, which diminishes running safety and
may lead to dangerous accidents.
[0009] One aim of the invention is to improve existing
go-carts.
[0010] A further aim of the invention is to make existing go-carts
suitable for being driven in a relatively easy manner also by
disabled persons who are unable to use their lower limbs.
[0011] Yet another further aim of the invention is to make the
driving position more comfortable for the driver, especially as far
as gripping and handling the steering wheel is concerned.
[0012] Another aim of the invention is to decrease the effort
required to rotate the steering wheel of the go-carts.
[0013] Another further aim of the invention is to enable an
ordinary motor vehicle to be transformed into a motor vehicle the
speed of which can be controlled manually in such a way as to make
it suitable for being driven by disabled persons or beginners who
are incapable of precisely coordinating the actions of hands and
feet.
[0014] Yet another further aim is to provide a vehicle the
direction and speed of which can be controlled manually, and
wherein the risks of accidentally turning the steering wheel when
one wishes only to brake or accelerate are reduced.
[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, a go-cart is
provided, comprising steering means, suitable for directing said
go-cart along a given trajectory, and speed control means, suitable
for modifying the running speed of said go-cart, characterised in
that, said speed control means is so configured as to interact with
said steering means.
[0016] This aspect of the invention enables disabled persons,
especially persons who are unable to use their lower limbs with
agility, to drive easily even go-carts because they can use the
steering means to also adjust the speed control means. The same
parts of the body, e.g. the hands, that by means of the steering
means set the trajectory of the go-cart can therefore also actuate
the speed control means, eliminating the necessity to use different
parts of the body, e.g. the feet, to control the speed of the
vehicle.
[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, a go-cart is
provided, said go-cart being provided with steering means
comprising steering column means and steering wheel means by means
of which a driver can set a trajectory for said go-cart,
characterised in that, between said steering wheel means and said
steering column means joint means is placed, said joint means being
suitable for enabling said steering wheel means to be positioned
according to a tilt that is substantially independent of said
steering column means.
[0018] The joint means enables the steering wheel means to be
provided with a tilt that is different from that of the steering
column means in such a way as to give the steering wheel means a
tilt that is comfortable for the driver, e.g. by arranging it on a
plane that is almost parallel to the driver's chest. The driving
position is thus significantly more comfortable and enables the
driver to drive the go-cart even for very long periods without
feeling discomfort in the arms or wrists.
[0019] According to a third aspect of the invention, a kit for a
vehicle is provided, comprising braking control means suitable for
actuating braking means of said vehicle, and acceleration control
means suitable for actuating acceleration means of said vehicle,
said braking control means and said acceleration control means
being so configurable as to interact with steering means of said
vehicle.
[0020] This aspect of the invention enables a traditional vehicle
such as a go-cart to be modified by equipping it with braking
control means and acceleration control means that can interact with
the steering means of the go-cart. By so doing, by intervening on
the steering means the driver can modify the vehicle speed
according to vehicle running requirements without having to use
parts of the body other than those that act on the steering means.
This is of great use for disabled persons, who, owing to this
aspect of the invention, can convert a vehicle of traditional type,
which they would not be capable of driving, into a modified vehicle
that they can drive by using for example only their hands. There is
no need to emphasise that the kit according to this aspect of the
invention enables considerable savings to be made compared with the
expense required to construct a new vehicle suitable for disabled
persons, for example a go-cart.
[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling the run of a vehicle is provided comprising
steering means provided with first steering column means slidable
in relation to second steering column means in order to modify the
speed of said vehicle, and further comprising position sensor means
suitable for detecting the axial position of said first steering
column means in relation to said second steering column means.
[0022] The position sensor means enables the axial position of the
first steering column means to be accurately detected in relation
to the second steering column means in such a way as to be able to
associate in an extremely precise manner a preset acceleration or
braking intensity with each position of the first steering column
means. It is thus possible to obtain a vehicle that can be
controlled in an extremely precise and reliable manner using only
the hands.
[0023] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a go-cart is
provided comprising steering means through which a driver can set a
trajectory of said go-cart, said steering means comprising control
means arranged for modifying the position of wheels of said go-cart
according to a command of said driver, characterised in that, said
control means comprises hydraulic drive means arranged for
hydraulically modifying said position.
[0024] The hydraulic drive means enables the trajectory of the
go-cart to be set in a particularly easy manner and without
exerting excessive effort. Thus, even persons with little strength
in their arms such as handicapped persons can drive the
go-cart.
[0025] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling the run of a vehicle is provided, comprising
steering means suitable for enabling said vehicle to be directed
along a given trajectory, and speed control means, suitable for
modifying the running speed of said vehicle, characterised in that,
said speed control means comprises articulated quadrilateral means
actuatable by said steering means.
[0026] The articulated quadrilateral means provides a constraint
for the movement of the steering means when the latter is used to
actuate the speed control means. The involuntary movements of the
steering means are thus avoided, which could cause involuntary
modifications to the trajectory whilst the driver is braking or
accelerating.
[0027] Furthermore, the articulated quadrilateral means enables the
speed control means to be actuated in a particularly effective and
reliable manner.
[0028] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, an apparatus
for controlling the run of a vehicle is provided, comprising
steering means, suitable for allowing said vehicle to be directed
along a given trajectory, and speed control means, suitable for
modifying the running speed of said vehicle, characterised in that,
said speed control means comprises first shaft means slidably
coupled with second shaft means and actuatable by means of said
steering means.
[0029] Owing to the slidable coupling between the first shaft means
and the second shaft means, it is possible to transform the
traditional vehicles, provided with pedal-operated acceleration or
braking means, in vehicles wherein the speed can be controlled by
the steering means. To do so, it is sufficient to slidably couple
the second shaft means with which an ordinary vehicle is equipped
with an appropriately preset first shaft means.
[0030] The invention will be better understood and carried out with
reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some
exemplifying and not restrictive embodiments thereof, wherein:
[0031] FIG. 1 is an interrupted perspective view of a go-cart
according to the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is an enlarged and interrupted perspective view of
braking means with which the go-cart of FIG. 1 is provided;
[0033] FIG. 3 is an enlarged and interrupted perspective view of
support means of the braking means of FIG. 2;
[0034] FIG. 4 is an interrupted side view of steering means
associated with speed control means, in an alternative
embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 5 is an enlarged section taken along the plane V-V of
FIG. 4;
[0036] FIGS. 6 and 7 show an enlarged detail of the braking means,
in two differing operating configurations;
[0037] FIG. 8 is a view like the one in FIG. 4, showing
acceleration means with which the go-cart is provided,
[0038] FIG. 9 is a partially sectioned and interrupted view of the
steering means of FIG. 4;
[0039] FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned and interrupted view of
steering means provided with a removable steering wheel;
[0040] FIG. 11 is an interrupted side view of steering means
provided with lever means arranged for actuating speed control
means in particular operating conditions;
[0041] FIG. 12 is a front view of a steering wheel provided with
the lever means of FIG. 11;
[0042] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic and interrupted side view of a
go-cart provided with a hydraulic drive system;
[0043] FIG. 14 is an interrupted and partially sectioned view from
above of the steering means of a motor vehicle;
[0044] FIG. 15 is a side view from the left of the steering means
of FIG. 14;
[0045] FIG. 16 is a side view from the right of the steering means
of FIG. 14;
[0046] FIG. 17 shows an electric diagram of acceleration means
suitable for being fitted to a motor vehicle.
[0047] FIG. 1 shows a go-cart 1 comprising a chassis 2 on which
wheels 3 are rotationally supported, said wheels 3 being arranged
for allowing the go-cart 1 to move along a road, track or any other
route. On the chassis 2 a front bumper 4, two side bumpers 5 and a
guard 6 are fitted that are suitable for protecting the chassis 2
and other mechanical parts connected to it in the event of the
go-cart 1 knocking into other go-carts or obstacles placed along
the track.
[0048] A seat 7, which is also supported on the chassis 2, enables
a driver to be accommodated who controls the go-cart 1 by using
steering means 8 that is provided with a steering wheel that is not
shown. The steering means 8 further comprises a sleeve 9, that is
connected as one with the steering wheel, the sleeve 9 being
axially slidable in relation to a shaft 10. A prismatic joint, that
is not shown, comprising for example a grooved surface made inside
the sleeve 9 suitable for shapingly coupling with a further grooved
surface made on the shaft 10 enables the sleeve 9 to translate
along the shaft 10 whilst preventing relative rotation.
[0049] The shaft 10 is coupled by a joint 11, e.g. a cardan joint,
to a steering column 12. The variation in the angular position of
the steering column 12, due to rotation of the steering wheel,
enables the position of the wheels 3 to be varied to modify the
trajectory of the go-cart 1 using prior-art kinematics.
[0050] The joint 11 enables the tilt of the shaft 10 and therefore
of the steering wheel to be modified in relation to the steering
column 12 in such a way that the shaft 10 is in a position that is
almost parallel to the ground on which the go-cart 1 is driven.
Thus, the steering wheel, which lies on a plane that is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft
10, is almost parallel to the driver's chest. The driving position
of the go-cart 1 is thus considerably more comfortable than that of
the prior-art go-carts wherein the lack of joint 11 means that the
steering wheel is perpendicular to the steering column 12 and
forces the driver into an uncomfortable and unnatural position for
his hands.
[0051] A ring 13 is fixed rigidly to the sleeve 9, which ring is
provided with a first appendage 14 and a second appendage 15 and
enables speed control means to be actuated, said speed control
means comprising braking means 25 and acceleration means 43. The
acceleration means 43 comprises a cable 16, connected at a first
end thereof to the first appendage 14, and at a second end thereof
to a valve, e.g. a throttle valve, which enables the mixture formed
in a carburettor that is not shown to enter the engine actuating
the go-cart 1.
[0052] To the second appendage 15 an actuating rod 17 is connected
that is arranged to actuate the braking means 25, as shown in
greater detail in FIG. 2.
[0053] The actuating rod 17 is slidably engaged, near its end that
is furthest from the second appendage 15, in an internally hollow
stem 18 hinged on a lever 19 in a terminal area of the stem 18
opposite the actuating rod 17. The lever 19 may oscillate around an
intermediate point thereof and is partially housed in the
containing body of a pump 20 that is part of the braking means 25,
so that the end of the lever 19 furthest from the stem 18 may
actuate piston means that is not shown that is contained inside the
pump 20. The latter sends a pressurised fluid, e.g. oil, into a
brake circuit comprising a flexible conduit 21 that by means of a
caliper 22 actuates two shoes 23 working with a disk 24 positioned
on the motor axis 26 of the go-cart 1. Thus it is possible to make
the drive wheels of the go-cart 1 brake, namely the rear
wheels.
[0054] The pump 20 is fitted to the go-cart 1 by means of support
means 27, shown in detail in FIG. 3, comprising a bracket 28
provided with a horizontal support plane 29 from which an anchor
wall 30 develops that is provided with two fixing holes 31. The
pump 20 is positioned on the support plane 29 and is then pressed
against the anchor wall 30 and fixed thereto by bolts 32 that
engage in the holes 31.
[0055] The support plane 29 ensures that the pump 20 is maintained
in a horizontal position during running, which makes it very
difficult to absorb air bubbles within the pressurised fluid, which
bubbles, being compressible, could diminish the effectiveness of
the braking means.
[0056] The bracket 28 is provided at the bottom with two lateral
diametrically opposed extensions 33 that may be fixed by further
bolts 34 to two arms 35 fixed to the chassis 2 by means of clamps
36.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
instead of two lateral extensions 33, the bracket 28 can be
provided at the bottom with two further clamps 38 that are fixed to
a transversal bar 39, with which certain chassis types are
provided.
[0058] To ensure that the pump 20 is kept in a position as stable
as possible despite the vibrations that develop during the run of
the go-cart 1 a stiffening element 37 is further provided that
connects the top part of the bracket 28 to a front area of the
chassis 2 so as to increase the bending and torsional stiffness of
the bracket 28.
[0059] The go-cart 1 further comprises a support element 40
arranged to support the shaft 10, the support element 40 being
fixed to the members 41 that bear the tank 42 of the go-cart 1.
[0060] To adjust the speed of the go-cart 1, the driver has to act
on the steering wheel, pulling it towards or pushing it away from
him or herself so as to cause it to translate in relation to the
shaft 10. In particular, when the driver decides to accelerate he
or she has to pull the steering wheel towards him or herself in
such a way that the sleeve 9 translates in relation to the shaft 10
and the ring 13 together with the two appendages 14 and 15 fixed
thereto shifts towards the driver's body. Thus, traction is exerted
on the cable 16 that causes the valve of the carburettor to open,
which valve lets the mixture formed in the carburettor pass through
towards the engine cylinders. The go-cart 1 is thus
accelerated.
[0061] Near the carburettor a spring is further provided that takes
the cable 16 to a rest position when the driver stops accelerating,
i.e. stops pulling the steering wheel towards him or herself.
[0062] It should be noted that when the driver pulls the steering
wheel towards him or herself this does not have any effect on the
braking system because the shift of the ring 13 and of the two
appendages 14 and 15 connected to it causes the actuating rod 17 to
slide inside the stem 18 without having any effect on the lever 19
and therefore on the pump 20 that supplies the fluid into the brake
circuit.
[0063] If, on the other hand the driver wishes to brake he or she
must push the steering wheel away from him or herself in such a way
that under the thrust of the second appendage 15 of the ring 13 the
actuating rod 17 penetrates into the stem 18 until it causes the
lever 19 to oscillate around its fulcrum. The lever 19 thus
actuates the piston means of the pump 20 that supplies the fluid
inside the flexible conduit 21, thereby tightening the caliper 22
and then the shoes 23 on the disk 24 of the braking means 25.
[0064] When the driver pushes the steering wheel away from him or
herself to brake this does not have any effect on the acceleration
means: by pushing the cable 16 the latter bends without modifying
the configuration of the carburettor. The braking and accelerating
actions are thus totally independent of each other.
[0065] In addition to building a new go-cart 1 that is configured
according to the above description, it is also possible to convert
a traditional go-cart to enable it operate in the manner explained
previously. To do this it is sufficient to remove the steering
wheel from the traditional go-cart, if necessary shorten the
steering column 12 and fit an appropriate adaptation kit on the
traditional go-cart. This kit comprises the joint 11, which is
fitted to the steering column 12 that may have been shortened, the
shaft 10 and the sleeve 9, which is connected to the steering
wheel. The shaft 10 is advantageously provided with the ring 13 and
the two appendages 14 and 15 supporting the cable 16 and the
actuating rod 17. The shaft 10 must furthermore be supported on the
chassis 2 by means of an appropriate support element 40 that is
part of the adaptation kit, and support means 27 of the pump 20 in
relation to the chassis 2 must be provided. The above mentioned kit
thus makes it possible, with a small number of simple operations,
to pass from a go-cart wherein the brake and the accelerator are
actuated by pedals to a go-cart the controls of which are
completely manual.
[0066] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, a go-cart is
provided that is equipped with a steering wheel 44 to which the
shaft 10a is fixed, which shaft is in turn connected to the
steering column 12 by means of the joint 11. As shown in FIG. 9,
the shaft 10a is received for a portion of its length inside a
movable member 48. Between the shaft 10 and the movable member 48
radial bearings 45 are placed owing to which the shaft 10a can
rotate in relation to the movable member 48 when the driver turns
the steering wheel 44 to point the go-cart in a given direction.
Axial bearings 46 are further provided that are placed between the
movable member 48 and respective stop elements 60, the stop
elements 60 being fixed to the shaft 10a to prevent relative
translation of the movable member 48 and of the shaft 10a.
[0067] The movable member 48 is connected to the chassis 2 by
articulated quadrilateral means. In the embodiment in FIG. 4, the
articulated quadrilateral means comprises articulated parallelogram
means provided with two pairs of rocker arms 47a, 47b hinged near
respective first ends, on the movable member 48 inside which the
shaft 10a is housed as shown in detail in FIG. 5. The second ends
of the rocker arms 47a, 47b are hinged on a fixed support element
40' that is connected with the chassis 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the
two pairs of rocker arms 47a, 47b are arranged on opposite sides of
the movable member 48 and of the fixed support element 40' in such
a way that the movable member 48 is guided on both sides during its
movement in relation to the chassis 2.
[0068] As shown in the enlarged detail in FIG. 5, each end of the
two rocker arms 47a, 47b is hinged on the movable member 48 or on
the fixed support element 40' by means of respective pins 49,
rotationally supported by means of respective further radial
bearings 50. Further axial bearings 51 are further provided that
enable the pins 49 and therefore the rocker arms 47a, 47b to
oscillate in relation to the movable member 48 and/or the fixed
support element 40' even if forces directed along the axis of the
pins 49 are applied.
[0069] A L-shaped element 52 is fixed to an upper portion of the
movable member 48, the L-shaped element 52 being in turn fixed to
the braking means 25 and to the acceleration means 43. In
particular, the actuating rod 17 of the braking means 25 is fixed
to the L-shaped element 52 with ball joint means 53 placed
inbetween. Said rod is slidable inside the stem 18 to actuate the
pump 20 in the manner already described with reference to FIG.
2.
[0070] It is to be noted that in the embodiment in FIG. 4 a return
spring 54 is further provided that is arranged to return the lever
19 to its rest position when the driver of the go-cart does not
perform any braking action.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, a plate 55 is also fixed to the
L-shaped element 52 on which plate 55 an end of the cable 16 is
locked, said cable 16 being sheathed along most of its route in a
protective sheath 56 and actuating the throttle valve of a
carburettor that is not shown.
[0072] When the driver pulls towards himself or herself or pushes
away from himself or herself the steering wheel 44 the articulated
parallelogram means limits the movement of shaft 10a in relation to
the chassis 2. The two pairs of rocker arms 47a, 47b in fact limit
the movable member 48 to travelling along a route according to
which the axis of the shaft 10a always remains contained in the
same vertical plane.
[0073] Said route is not completely straight but the resulting
deviations therefrom can be compensated by the degrees of freedom
introduced by the parts of the joint 11, by the articulated joint
57 arranged between the steering column 12 and the chassis 2 and by
the further articulated joint 58 placed between the steering column
12 and the connection point P of the tie rods that make the wheels
steering. In particular, the articulated joint 57 and the further
articulated joint 58 enable the end of the steering column 12
furthest from the shaft 10a to be lifted and lowered in relation to
the chassis 2 when the steering wheel 44 is moved axially without
impairing correct operation of the steering device connected to the
steering column 12.
[0074] Apart from these differences, the operation of the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 has many similarities to that of
the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0075] In particular, when the driver draws the steering wheel 44
towards himself or herself the steering wheel 44 exerts traction on
the cable 16, which opens the throttle valve of the carburetter.
The vehicle is thereby accelerated. The braking means 25 remains
inactive during this phase because, as shown by the arrow F1 in
FIG. 6, the actuating rod 17 is displaced inside the stem 18 in
such a way as to move away from an abutting element 61 that is
fixed to said stem, which remains in a fixed position.
Consequently, the lever 19 remains in its rest position.
[0076] On the other hand, when the driver pushes the steering wheel
44 away from his or her body, the actuating rod 17 is displaced
inside the stem 18 in the direction of the arrow F2 in FIG. 7,
until it abuts against the abutting element 61. Continuing to push
the steering wheel makes the actuating rod 17 move the stem 18 and
the lever 19 with it, which actuates the pump 20. Fluid is then
sent under pressure into the brake circuit and the vehicle
brakes.
[0077] The acceleration means 43 is not actuated during this phase
because after pressure has been exerted on the steering wheel 44
the cable 16 is bent back on itself without performing any action
on the carburetter. A further spring 59 makes the cable 16 return,
which takes the throttle valve back to its equilibrium
position.
[0078] Also in the case of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 an
adaptation kit can be set up by means of which a traditional
go-cart can be transformed into a go-cart suitable for being driven
without the driver's using his or her legs.
[0079] Furthermore, the actuation modes for the braking and
acceleration means shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 and in particular the
articulated parallelogram means can be used not only in a go-cart
but also in a different type of motor vehicle such as an
automobile.
[0080] In the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 11 and 12 the steering
wheel 44 is provided with manual actuating means for actuating the
acceleration means 43, comprising a further lever 67. By acting on
the further lever 67 the driver may exert traction on the cable 16.
The further lever 67 is pivoted in a central portion thereof on a
clamp element 69 fitted to a rung 68 of the steering wheel 44. The
further lever 67 is provided with a broadened end on which the
driver can act, for example, by using his thumb and with a further
end to which an extension 70 of the cable 16 is connected, said
extension 70 coming from the plate 55.
[0081] By pushing the broadened end of the further lever 67 towards
the steering column 12, the further lever 67 oscillates around the
respective fulcrum and the further end connected to the cable 16
rises towards the driver's body. Thus the cable 16 is placed under
traction so as to open the throttle valve of the carburetter and
accelerate the go-cart, without, however, moving the steering wheel
44 axially.
[0082] Owing to the manual actuating means, the driver can keep the
go-cart stationary by pushing the steering wheel 44 away from his
or her body in such a way as to activate the braking means 25 and
at the same time accelerate the go-cart by means of the further
lever 67. When the go-cart has accelerated completely, the driver
can pull the steering wheel 44 towards himself or herself to
release the braking means 25. As the engine is at this moment
supplying all or a large part of its power, the driver can
therefore obtain a particularly aggressive and competitive start
for the go-cart.
[0083] FIG. 10 shows a steering wheel 44' arranged to be attached
to and detached from a shaft 10b connected to the steering column
12 by means of the joint 11. For this purpose quick connectors 62
are provided that are equipped with respective protruding parts 63
suitable for shapingly coupling with seats 64 made on the shaft
10b. The quick connectors 62 are inserted inside holes 65 made on a
tubular end 66 that is one with the steering wheel 44', within
which the shaft 10b is accommodated.
[0084] By means of very simple movements such as pressure or
traction that may be accompanied by rotation, the quick connectors
62 can be removed from the seats 64 and enable the steering wheel
44' to be detached from the shaft 10b. This allows a disabled
person with limited motor capacity to remove the steering wheel 44'
in order to more easily access the driving seat or to alight from
the vehicle more easily. When the driver is in the driving position
the steering wheel 44' can be again fixed to the shaft 10b by
inserting the quick connectors 62 into the holes 65 and then into
their respective seats 64.
[0085] It should be noted that the driver who alights from the
vehicle can also take with him or her the steering wheel 44' that
was removed from the shaft lob, in which case the steering wheel
44' also acts as an antitheft device. In fact, the theft of a
vehicle without a steering wheel is significantly more complicated
than the theft of a vehicle provided with a steering wheel.
[0086] In the embodiment in FIG. 10, the movable member 48 and the
braking and acceleration means described previously are associated
with the shaft 10b; it is nevertheless possible to also envisage a
steering wheel that can be moved in the manner described above also
in a vehicle wherein the braking and accelerations means are
actuated by a pedal system.
[0087] The movable steering wheel can also be provided not only for
a go-cart but also for another type of vehicle.
[0088] FIG. 13 shows a go-cart provided with a hydraulic drive
system. In the embodiment in FIG. 13, the end of the steering
column 12 furthest from the steering wheel 44 is associated with a
known hydraulic drive box 72 with a further joint 71 placed
inbetween.
[0089] Said box controls, according to known operating principles,
steering of the wheels of the go-cart, by means of steering tie
rods that are not shown that are connected to the further
articulated joint 58 at point P as previously described.
[0090] Two pipes 73 come out of the hydraulic drive box 72, which
pipes 73 are in turn connected to the delivery and intake ports of
a further pump 74. The latter is actuated by belt means 75, moved
by chain means 76 that is driven by the driving shaft of the
go-cart.
[0091] In a further embodiment, the steering wheel is connected to
a first steering column that is axially slidable in relation to a
second steering column. For example, the first steering column may
be hollow in such a way that the second steering column can slide
inside the first steering column. Similarly to what has been
described previously, the driver can regulate the speed by pulling
towards or pushing away from him or herself the steering wheel, but
with a different actuating mechanism for the brakes or accelerator
from what has been described above. Position sensor means is in
fact provided that enables the position of the first steering
column to be detected, i.e. the position of the slidable steering
column, in relation to the second fixed steering column.
[0092] The position sensor means is connected with processing card
means that processes the signal received from the sensor means and,
depending on the position that the first steering column occupies
in relation to the second steering column, actuates with a certain
intensity the braking means or the acceleration means.
[0093] The position sensor means may comprise an encoder, the shaft
of which is connected with a gear wheel cooperating with a rack
fixed to the first steering column. Thus, when the driver modifies
the axial position of the first steering column, and of the rack
with it, the gear wheel is rotated and the change in its angle
position is detected by the encoder, which transmits it to the
processing card.
[0094] In a yet further embodiment the position sensor means may
comprise means for reading an optical or magnetic band that is
fixed to the first steering column means or to the second steering
column means.
[0095] FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate an embodiment wherein the
acceleration means comprises a position sensor 189, e.g. a
potentiometer or an encoder. Said Figures show steering means 108
of a motor vehicle comprising a steering wheel 144 fixed to a first
shaft 109 provided with a tubular end portion 180 that is slidable
in relation to a second shaft 110. The latter is in turn connected,
by means of a joint 111, to a steering column 112 arranged to
direct the wheels in the required direction owing to a known
steering device. The second shaft 110 is externally provided with a
grooved surface that is suitable for shapingly coupling with a
further grooved surface made inside the tubular end portion 180 of
the first shaft 109. This enables the first shaft 109 to translate
in relation to the second shaft 110, at the same time preventing
the relative rotation.
[0096] The first shaft 109 is rotationally supported on a ring
member 113, by means of bearings 181 placed inbetween. The ring
member 113 is furthermore configured in such a way that it can be
translated as one with the first shaft 109. An appendage 182 is
fixed to the ring member 113, on said appendage 182 the first end
of an actuating rod 117 being hinged. The actuating rod 117 is
arranged for actuating a braking device in the manner previously
disclosed with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0097] The first shaft 109 is fitted inside a fixed hollow element
183 connected to a support plate 184. On one side of the fixed
hollow element 183 guide wheels 186 are fitted between which a bar
187 may slide, the bar 187 being one with the steering wheel
144.
[0098] On the side of the fixed hollow element 183 opposite the one
that supports the guide wheels 186 a gear wheel 185 is fitted, the
gear wheel 185 engaging with a sprocket 188 on the axis of which a
position sensor 189 is fitted. The toothed gear 185 is driven by
means of a rack 190 fixed to a protruding element 191 that is in
turn connected to the first shaft 109.
[0099] A microswitch 192 is further fixed to the fixed hollow
element 183, the closure or opening of the microswitch 192 being
associated with a reference position of the acceleration means.
[0100] When the driver of the motor vehicle exerts steering action
on the steering wheel 144, the latter rotates the first shaft 109
in relation to the fixed hollow element 183 and the ring member
113. The first shaft 109, owing to the coupling with grooved
surfaces, in turn rotates the second shaft 110, which actuates, by
means of the joint 111, the steering column 112 that controls wheel
steering.
[0101] When the driver wishes to brake, he or she must push the
steering wheel 144 away from his or her body, which steering wheel
144 translates as one with the first shaft 109, the ring member 113
and the appendage 182 fixed to it. The actuating rod 117 is then
moved in such a way as to activate the pump of the braking means
that pressurises a fluid arranged for tightening the shoes of the
caliper of the brakes on a disk fitted to the driving axis in such
a way as to decrease the speed of the vehicle.
[0102] On the other hand, when the driver wishes to accelerate he
must pull towards himself the steering wheel 144, which moves as
one with the rack 190, which rack 190 actuates the gear wheel 185
engaging with the sprocket 188. The position sensor 189 sends an
electric signal corresponding to the position of the sprocket 188
to the data card 193, shown in FIG. 17, and this signal is used to
actuate an electric motor 194, e.g. a step motor, that modifies the
position of the throttle valve 195 of a carburetter. In particular,
the throttle valve 195 is opened by an amount that corresponds to
the position of the sprocket 188 and therefore of the rack 190,
which enables the driver of the motor vehicle to regulate the
degree of acceleration according to factors such as traffic
conditions, type of road being travelled on, road surface situation
and so on.
[0103] The motor vehicle can furthermore be provided with safety
sensors 196 that are for example provided on the front or back
bumper to stop any acceleration commanded by the driver in cases
wherein said sensors detect an obstacle arranged in their
vicinity.
[0104] Finally, a vehicle provided with speed control means such as
the one described in the previous Figures may also be provided with
automatic or sequential speed gear.
[0105] The device in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 can be provided in any
motor vehicle in order to provide a system for controlling the
direction and speed of the entire vehicle by means of the sole
hands, which as such is particularly suitable for use by persons
who are unable to use their legs.
[0106] In particular, the device in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 can be used
in a motor vehicle or a go-cart.
[0107] It should be noted that it is also possible to provide speed
control means that does not comprise a steering wheel that is
axially movable in relation to the steering column, but wherein the
driver can manually activate braking means or acceleration means
without shifting the steering wheel, e.g. by means of control
switches.
* * * * *